@Growdoc looking awesome in there, lots of healthy happy plants!
Who is “they?”
Coco 
Peat
Water Retention & Drainage
Coco Coir Better Drainage & Aeration
-Retains water well but drains faster than peat moss, reducing overwatering risks, and when roots are mature it’s virtually impossible to over water.
-Has a fibrous structure, creating more air pockets leading to better root oxygenation and faster growth.
-Less risk of compaction over time. Perlite recommended, not required.
Peat Holds More Water, But Compacts Over Time
-High water retention, but can become waterlogged if not mixed with aeration materials, like perlite.
-Dries out faster than coco coir when fully dry, and becomes hydrophobic. Coco can also become hydrophobic but not as easy.
-Tends to compact over time, reducing root oxygenation.
Winner: Coco coir is better because it offers both high water retention & better drainage.
pH Levels & Nutrient Control
Coco Coir More pH-Neutral, Easier to Manage Nutrients
-pH range: 5.5 - 6.5 making it easier to control nutrient uptake.
-Acts like a sponge for nutrients, especially calcium and magnesium, so supplementing Cal-Mag is needed.
Peat Naturally Acidic, Needs pH Adjustment
-pH range: 3.5 - 4.5 (very acidic), meaning it requires lime to raise the pH into the ideal range for cannabis (5.8 - 6.5).
-Holds onto nutrients more aggressively, leading to potential nutrient lockout if not balanced correctly.
Winner: Coco coir, because it’s already in the right pH range, making nutrient management easier.
Sustainability & Environmental Impact
Coco Coir Eco-Friendly & Renewable
-A byproduct of coconut processing, making it a renewable resource.
-Decomposes slowly, making it reusable for multiple grows.
-Less environmental damage compared to peat moss.
Peat Non-Renewable & Environmentally Harmful
-Harvested from peat bogs, which take centuries to regenerate.
-Mining peat bogs releases large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.
-Not sustainable long-term, recommended for single use.
Winner: Coco coir is the clear choice for sustainability.
Nutrient Buffering & Cation Exchange Capacity
Peat better natural CEC, holds nutrients well
-Higher CEC which naturally buffers nutrients better.
-Holds nitrogen and phosphorus well, reducing the need for frequent feeding.
Coco Coir can benefit from additional cal mag
-Lower CEC, meaning nutrients pass through faster (requires more frequent feeding).
-Absorbs calcium & magnesium, so you must supplement Cal-Mag in hydroponic-style grows. Most nutrient lines have this covered.
Winner: Peat is better at holding onto nutrients, though depending on strategy this could be good, or bad.
Growth Speed & Yield Potential
Coco Coir Faster Growth, Higher Oxygenation
-Excellent root oxygenation provides faster vegetative growth and higher yields.
-Works well in hydroponic setups with drip systems or hand-watering.
Peat Slower Growth Due to Compaction & Lower Oxygenation
-Denser, compacts over time, leading to slower root growth.
-More prone to overwatering, which can slow growth and cause root rot.
Winner: Coco coir, because it promotes faster, healthier root development and bigger yields.
Versatility in Growing Methods
Coco Coir Works Well for Hydroponic & Soil-Like Grows
-Can be used in hydroponic systems (drip irrigation, drain-to-waste, or hand watering).
-Lots of versatility and ways to feed based on growers preference.
-The more it’s treated like hydro, the faster the plants grow.
Peat Best for Soil-Like Grows, Not Hydro-Friendly
-Works best as a soil amendment or in soil-based mixes.
-Not ideal for hydroponics due to compaction and waterlogging issues.
Winner: Coco coir is more versatile for both hydroponic and soil-like growing styles.
Pest & Gnat Issues
Coco Coir Naturally Resistant to Pests
-Generally oes not attract fungus gnats, mold, or algae as easily as peat moss.
-Naturally pest-resistant, making it ideal for indoor grows.
Peat Can Attract Fungus Gnats & Mold in Humid Conditions
-Holds moisture for long periods, which can attract fungus gnats and mold.
-More prone to pest infestations in damp environments.
Winner: Coco coir is better for preventing pests and mold issues.